The Sykesville Police Department is asking residents to increase their vigilance after a rise in juvenile crime in recent months.

According to Sykesville Police Chief John Williams, this year has seen a total of 26 vandalism calls, which is quickly approaching last year’s total of 49 vandalism calls.

Williams says that residents can take plenty of pre-emptive measures to protect the safety of their property, including locking their home and car doors and keeping expensive items hidden out of sight.

Williams also asks residents to increase their awareness of Sykesville’s public property, especially its parks. Police have had to respond to cases of vandalism, drug use, and underage drinking within the parks. Police ask residents to report any activity observed in the parks after they close at sunset. Chief Williams also reminds that Sykesville has a nightly curfew from midnight to six a.m.